The Aztec government was unlike most governments. Their conquered cities paid respect to the Aztec Empire. These cities showed and increase in their own economic welfare. The Aztec rulers had better communication and roads built in the cities they conquered, similar to their own. It helped the city trade goods. These cities also had to pay a tribute to the Empire in money. This made the government rich and powerful. The people in the conquered land became resentful of the Empire. They didn’t like the large amounts they had to pay them. Most leaders lived in Technochtitlan. The greatest temples were here. Huey Tlatloani lived here as well, he had to consult with nobles prior to making decisions.
The Aztec’s believed in very severe punishment. The courts decided their fate. Being drunk was the worst crime you could commit. If you were drunk your fate would be death. You could be drunk if you were at a festival, or if you are senior citizen.(70+) Thieves were also put to death. Laws were tough, and they were written down. The 1st time you break a law you can confess your crime to Tlazolteotl and you would be forgiven. There would be no punishment received, but you had to confess before you were caught. Some other laws were that a common person could not decorate their house or dress in clothes like a priest. Also, a man could have as many mistresses as he wished but only descendants of his original wife could get the estate. Divorce was allowed sometimes, woman would get half of their assets, and could re marry.
The Aztecs had a very peaceful nation. It had a head ruler. They were not picked by heritage, they were chosen by nobles, priests, and warriors. The second person in charge was called “woman snake,” though he was a man. Then came the Tlatani. Four people were chosen and put in one group. Only one of the four got to rule. As you can see, the Aztec’s had a unique government.
Aztec Government
The Aztec government was unlike most governments. Their conquered cities paid respect to the Aztec Empire. These cities showed and increase in their own economic welfare. The Aztec rulers had better communication and roads built in the cities they conquered, similar to their own. It helped the city trade goods. These cities also had to pay a tribute to the Empire in money. This made the government rich and powerful. The people in the conquered land became resentful of the Empire. They didn’t like the large amounts they had to pay them. Most leaders lived in Technochtitlan. The greatest temples were here. Huey Tlatloani lived here as well, he had to consult with nobles prior to making decisions.
The Aztec’s believed in very severe punishment. The courts decided their fate. Being drunk was the worst crime you could commit. If you were drunk your fate would be death. You could be drunk if you were at a festival, or if you are senior citizen.(70+) Thieves were also put to death. Laws were tough, and they were written down. The 1st time you break a law you can confess your crime to Tlazolteotl and you would be forgiven. There would be no punishment received, but you had to confess before you were caught. Some other laws were that a common person could not decorate their house or dress in clothes like a priest. Also, a man could have as many mistresses as he wished but only descendants of his original wife could get the estate. Divorce was allowed sometimes, woman would get half of their assets, and could re marry.
The Aztecs had a very peaceful nation. It had a head ruler. They were not picked by heritage, they were chosen by nobles, priests, and warriors. The second person in charge was called “woman snake,” though he was a man. Then came the Tlatani. Four people were chosen and put in one group. Only one of the four got to rule. As you can see, the Aztec’s had a unique government.
Resources:
1.) http://www.sanbenito.k12.tx.us/schools/Miller%20Jordan/social%20studies/Social%20Studies%20Aztecs%20/Aztec%20Government
2.) http://www.aztec-history.com/ancient-aztec-government.html
3.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aztec
4.) http://philtar.ucsm.ac.uk/encyclopedia/latam/aztec.html
5.) http://www.aztec-history.net/aztec_religion
6.) http://www.aztec-history.com/ancient-aztec-religion.html
Carrie Patch